1110 Technology Circle - Suite D
Anaheim, CA 92805
(714) 774-9443
BROWNSON TECHNICAL SCHOOL
CATALOG
(1/1/13 - 12/31/13)
Accredited by:
BROWNSON TECHNICAL SCHOOL
1110 Technology Circle, Suite D
Anaheim, CA 92805
(714) 774-9443 Fax: (714) 774-5025
E-mail:
STAFF AND FACULTY
Don Brown………………………………..Administrator
William D. Brown...... School Director
Patti Gallagher...... Financial Aid Director
Misty Patterson…………...... Registrar/Student Services
Paula Lock...... Receptionist
Dodie Hall...... Career ServicesDirector
Cherise Rader...... Job Developer/Marketing Manager
Faith Rolla...... Admissions Director
Randall Albright...... Instructor
Mike Griffin...... Instructor
Luis Nazario...... Instructor
Carlos Arenas...... Instructor
Scott Oakley...... Instructor
Eddie Cantu...... Instructor
Doug Johnson...... Instructor
Rodney Bailey...... Instructor
Joe Keleman...... Instructor
Shane Matucci...... Instructor
Scott Strong...... Instructor
Zak Majdali...... Instructor
John Thompson...... Shop Assistant
James Clark...... Shop Assistant
ADVISORY BOARD
Scott Strong...... ClimaCheck, Technical Support and Sales
Bob Wenzloff, PhD...Fullerton College, Automotive Department
Scott Johnson...... National Comfort Institute, Head of West Coast Operations
John Dalton...... Universal Air Conditioning, Operations Manager
Dave Highland...... Highland HVAC, Owner
Bob Wiseman...... Canoga Park Heating & Air Conditioning, President
Mike Griffen...... Airflow Specialties, Owner
Chris Compton...... HVACRedu.net, Founder, President, CEO
Ken Robinson...... Climate Pro Mechanical, Inc., Co-owner
Nick Laushkin...... Climate Pro Mechanical, Inc., Co-owner
Jayme Carden...... ANH1MPH, Owner, HERS Rater
Justin Bright...... HVAC Installer/Technician and BTS Student Advocate
RevisedAugust 5, 2013
Brownson Technical School is operated by Brownson Technical School Inc., a closely held Corporation owned by Donald P. Brown and William D. Brown.
APPROVAL DISCLOSURE STATEMENT
Brownson Technical School was founded in 1984 and achieved its initial accreditation in 1986. Currently, the school is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (A.C.C.S.C.), located in Arlington, Virginia. The Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a nationally recognized accrediting agency.
Brownson Technical School is a private institution approved to operate by the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education. Approval to operate means the institution is compliant with the minimum standards contained in the California Private Postsecondary Education Act of 2009 (as amended) and Division 7.5 of Title 5 of the California Code of Regulations.
Brownson Technical School is approved for the training of veterans and eligible persons under the provisions of Title 38, United States Code. (For Veteran’s information, please see Veteran’s Handout) The school is also approved by several WIB/WIA offices. In addition, Brownson Technical School trains injured workers being retrained by Worker’s Compensation insurance or the State Department of Rehabilitation and private clients paying with their own funds or sponsored by an employer.
STATEMENTS
Any questions a student may have regarding this catalog that have not been satisfactorily answered by the institution may be directed to the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education at 2535 Capitol Oaks Drive, Suite 400, Sacramento, CA 95833, toll-free telephone number (888) 370-7589 or by fax (916) 263-1897.
As a prospective student, you are encouraged to review this catalog prior to signing an enrollment agreement. You are also encouraged to review the School Performance Fact Sheet, which must be provided to you prior to signing an enrollment agreement.
A student or any member of the public may file a complaint about this institution with the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education by calling (888) 370-7589 toll-free or by completing a complaint form, which can be obtained on the bureau’s internet web site
Brownson Technical School has never filed for bankruptcy petition, operated as a debtor in possession or had a petition of bankruptcy filed against it under Federal law.
TABLE of CONTENTS
TOPICPAGE NUMBER
Staff and Faculty, Advisory Board...... 3
Approval Disclosure Statement...... 4
Statements...... 4
Mission Statement...... 6
Philosophy and Objectives...... 6
History...... 6
Facilities...... 6
Handicap Accessibility and Training Opportunities...... 7
Non-Discrimination Policy...... 7
Dress Code...... 7
Admissions...... 7
Drug Free School and Workplace Policy...... 9
Credit for Prior Education...... 9
Transferability of Credits...... 9
Laptop Computers and Cell Phones...... 9
Semester Credit Hours...... 9
Academic Hour Definition...... 9
Make-up Work...... 9
Breaks...... 10
Change of Program...... 10
Attendance...... 10
Tardiness...... 10
Grading...... 10
Satisfactory Progress...... 11
Probation...... 11
Reinstatement...... 12
Graduation Requirements...... 12
Leave of Absence Policy...... 12
Conduct and Dismissal...... 13
Grievance Procedure...... 13
Student Records...... 14
Student Right of Privacy...... 14
Academic Review Procedures...... 14
Liability...... 14
Advising...... 14
Housing...... 15
Transportation...... 15
Reference Materials...... 15
Tools and Educational Supplies...... 15
Employment Assistance...... 15
Child Care...... 15
Tuition and Fee Policies...... 15
Financial Assistance...... 16
Refund Policy...... 17
Student Tuition Recovery Fund...... 20
Instructor Qualifications...... 21
Class Schedules...... 22
EPA Lecture/Exam Schedule...... 22
Holiday/Break Schedule...... 22
Master Commercial/Domestic Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technician...... 23
HVAC/R Technology...... 24
HVAC/R Technology – Blended Learning...... 26
Tool Kit Contents...... 28
MISSION STATEMENT
Brownson Technical School’s (BTS) mission is to make a positive change in someone’s life through vocational training. At the heart of our mission is the desire to address the divergent needs and aspirations of the variety of adult learners who come to us from a wide range of educational, occupational, and experiential backgrounds, all of whom have chosen to acquire new technical skills so as to change or advance their individual careers and lifestyles.
PHILOSOPHY AND OBJECTIVES
Our objective is to provide training and placement assistance in the fields of Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration.
Brownson Technical School provides comprehensive training to both men and women in the fields of commercial/domestic refrigeration, air conditioning and heating repair and service. This training focuses on preparing students for employment as entry level service technicians by combining job specific training with both academic and hands-on instruction. Curriculum, equipment, and texts used in our programs allow for individual differences and the implementation of new technology as it becomes available. School policy allows students to complete their training and to prepare for employment in the shortest time possible while maintaining high industry and academic standards.
HISTORY
Brownson Technical School (BTS) is a private postsecondary vocational institution that offers training in the fields of commercial/domestic refrigeration, air conditioning and heating. BTS was founded in 1984 by Donald and William Brown. Both gentlemen continue to function as the administrator and school director, respectively, and play an active role in the day to day operations of the school.
Brownson Technical School has been accredited since 1986. At present, the school is accredited through the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (A.C.C.S.C.). In addition, BTS is an eligible training provider for numerous private and governmental agencies such as WIA, TRA/TAA, Vocational Rehabilitation, State Rehabilitation, Veterans Administration, Employers, and the private sector. BTS is approved for participation in Title IV funding.
FACILITIES
Brownson Technical School has been located at 1110 Technology Circle - Suite D, Anaheim, and CA. since 1987. All class sessions are held at this location. The school occupies a 20,000 sq. ft. modern industrial building with plenty of free parking. The campus is within easy access of the 5, 57and 91 freeways. Labs, classrooms, library, offices and student lounge areas are well ventilated and well lighted to provide agood learning environment and comfortable accommodations. The student lounge is equipped with a refrigerator, vending machines, and microwave ovens. Classrooms range in size from a minimum capacity of 8 to a maximum capacity of 35 students. BTS offers a 35:1 maximum student to instructor ratio. All work areas are well equipped with ample quantities and types of tools/training aids such as refrigerators, freezers, condensing units,furnaces,coils,drinkdispensingmachines,multimeters, air acetylene and OXY/acetylene torches, and ample supplies such as various refrigeratants, welding materials, recovery units, soldering guns/copper tubing, and more.
This institution, the facilities it occupies, and the equipment it utilizes, fully comply with any and all federal, state and local ordinances and regulations, including those requirements as to fire safety, building safety, and health. Brownson Technical School’s facilities are accessible to a number of handicaps.
HANDICAP ACCESSIBILITY and TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES
Brownson Technical School makes its facilities accessible to the disabled and/or the handicapped. A student deemed to have the Ability to Benefit with regard to physical or other handicaps can enroll in the training program. Those with lifting restrictions and other injuries that will not impair their safety and employability are encouraged to apply.
NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY
The School does not discriminate on the basis of sex, age, race, color, national origin, political belief (or affiliation), creed, religion or handicaps that would not preclude employment within their selected program area in Admissions, Advising, Training, Placement, Employment or any other activities.
DRESS CODE
Students are expected to practice good grooming habits and to dress as they would for work. Brownson Technical School tee shirt,long pants, and closed-toed shoes are required. Students may not wear sandals, shorts, tank tops, torn or thread bare clothing. Long hair is to be tied back, and protective eye wear must be worn at all times when working in the shop/lab area. Clothing that is indecent, suggestive, provocative, obscene or creates a safety hazard will not be permitted. Sunglasses are not permitted to be worn inside the building at any time. Any student that does not adhere to this policy will be asked to leave the facility.
ADMISSIONS
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Admissions requirements are based largely upon the student’s ability to meet the requirements of his/her chosen occupational goal. Strong motivation to learn and a desire to pursue a career are important considerations. In general, applicants are admitted as regular students with a high school diploma or a General Equivalency Certificate (GED). The school also admits as regular students, persons who are beyond the age of compulsory school attendance in California and who have the ability to benefit from the training offered. The applicant must have a valid California Driver License with a demonstrated adequate driving record.
Ability-to-benefit students (those without a high school diploma or General Equivalency Certificate (GED)) are referred to the independent test administrator prior to the start of class by the admissions department to take the Wonderlic Basic Skills Test (WBST). Required passing scores are 200 Verbal and 210 Quantitative.
In all cases, an approved aptitude test is administered and a personal interview is conducted to assess test results, prior education, motivation, work experience, placement potential, and general aptitude for the chosen career field. Each case is judged individually. An Admissions Committee may be utilized to make appropriate determinations in special cases.
Prospective students requesting enrollment in the blended distance education program must complete a distance education questionnaire and have a device capable of getting on the internet that will work with Adobe “Flash” and that has access to high speed internet. Virtually all Desktop, Laptop/Notebook, Microsoft “Tablet” devices, and Apple Mac will work. Apple iPads and iPhones currently will not work and Google “Android” devices (phones, tablets, and laptops) may not work. If there are questions, the school will direct any interested person to the website to see how their device works.
Brownson Technical School does not offer visa services to prospective students from other countries or English language services. Brownson Technical School does not offer English as a Second Language instruction. All instruction occurs in English. English language proficiency is documented by:
- The admissions interview;
- Receipt of prior education documentation as stated in the admission policy; and
- Ability to be Trained (ATBT) entrance exam.
ADMISSION PROCEDURES
To begin the admission process, each applicant completes a questionnaire regarding his/her personal, educational, and employment histories as well as his/her occupational interests. Once completed, the applicant is interviewed by an admissions representative in an effort to better assure BTS’s training will satisfy the applicant’s needs as well as to provide detailed informationregarding the curriculum, school services and expectations. In conjunction with the interview, applicants receive a catalog, school performance fact sheet, tour of the facility, which includes classroom, lab, library,and student lounge areas.
An ability-to-benefit student’s independent test administrator notifies Brownson Technical School if the prospective student has passed or failed (unofficial) the exam at which time a Brownson staff member will contact Wonderlic to verify the official results, print out the results and notify admissions of the pass or fail.
Applicants expressing an interest in enrolling are given an Ability to be Trained (ATBT) entrance exam. A minimum passing score of 14 is required and documents English language proficiency. Applicants are usually notified of their test scores immediately upon completion of the test.
Once an applicant is considered eligible for enrollment,he/she participates in an orientation session where school policy and procedure are discussed along with class schedules, graduation requirements, and other pertinent information. Necessary paperwork is completed and the student’s file is created. Applicants that do not provide documentation of a High School diploma, its equivalent or a GED are not eligible to apply for Title IV financial aid funding.
Brownson Technical School considers a student to be enrolled when the enrollment agreement has been signed, and a financial payment arrangement has been made. WIB/WIA applicants are not considered enrolled until BTS receives authorization from the sponsoring case manager. Students sponsored by an injured worker program are considered to be enrolled when their Letter of Authorization is received. An enrollment agreement is executed upon receipt of authorization.
ACADEMIC POLICIES
DRUG FREE SCHOOL AND WORKPLACE POLICY
The unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession or use of drugs, alcohol or other controlled substances on school property or during school activities is strictly prohibited. Any employee or student found in violation of this policy shall immediately be terminated and reported to the appropriate law enforcement agency. In the case of reasonable doubt, the school reserves the right to request drug testing by an appropriate licensed agency. Students and employees alike are required, as a condition of enrollment and/or employment, to abide by this policy.
CREDIT FOR PRIOR EDUCATION OR TRAINING
A student who wishes to transfer credit(s) from another institution must submit verified copies of his/her transcript to the Admissions Office for review. Upon review of the transcript and competency testing, BTS may, at its discretion, accept credits for those courses which are equivalent to courses offered by BTS, up to a maximum of 15 semester credits. The institution has not entered into an articulation or transfer agreement with any other college or university.
BTS does not provide credit for challenge examinations, achievement tests or experiential learning.
TRANSFERABILITY OF CREDITS
“NOTICE CONCERNING TRANSFERABILITY OF CREDITS AND CREDENTIALS EARNED AT OUR INSTITUTION”
The transferability of credits you earn at Brownson Technical School is at the complete discretion of an institution to which you may seek to transfer. Acceptance of the diploma you earn in HVAC/R Technology is also at the complete discretion of the institution to which you may seek to transfer. If the credits or diploma that you earn at this institution are not accepted at the institution you seek to transfer, you may be required to repeat some or all of your coursework at that institution. For this reason you should make certain that your attendance at this institution will meet your educational goals. This may include contacting an institution to which you may seek to transfer after attending Brownson Technical School to determine if your credits or diploma will transfer.
LAPTOP COMPUTERS AND CELL PHONES
Laptop computers are not allowed in the facility. Cell phones must be turned off or set to vibrate at all times and are not to be used in the classrooms at any time.
SEMESTER CREDIT HOURS
Programs are measured in semester credit hours. Each academic semester credit hour is made up of thirty (30) contact hours in lab or fifteen (15) contact hours in classroom instruction. Each semester credit for Title IV Federal Financial Aid is based on 37.5 hours of instructor and out of class work, if applicable. Brownson Technical School defines an academic year as twenty four (24) semester credits over a thirty (30) week period.
ACADEMIC HOUR DEFINITION
Attendance is measured in academic hours. An academic hour is 50 minutes of training and a 10- minute break.
MAKE UP WORK
Students will be required to make up all assignments, exams, or other work missed as the result of any absence. The student must make arrangements with the instructor to ensure that all work is made-up before the end of the module in which the work was missed. The instructor may assign additional outside make-up work if deemed appropriate. Arrangements to take a missed exam are made with the instructor on an individual basis.
BREAKS
Every one hundred (100) minutes of training will be followed by a twenty (20) minute break. The break schedule is posted on the student bulletin board.
CHANGE OF PROGRAM
All requests must be made before the end of the second week of training to be considered. A student must attend all classes in which originally enrolled until the requested change of program is officially authorized by the Director.
ATTENDANCE POLICY
Students are expected to attend classes the same as they would be expected to be present for work.All absences and tardiness will be recorded in the student’s file. Any absence within any module will result in an automatic lowering of the grade by 2 points for each full day absent and 1 point for a half day absent. A tardy or early departure will result in a 1/2 point penalty for each occurrence. Hours missed due to an approved Leave of Absence are not considered in the overall attendance.